HERSHEY'S miniatures

candy • For adults • Consumable 🍝

candy

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Is this safe for adults to eat HERSHEY'S miniatures?

⚠️

USE WITH CAUTION

Danger Score: 4 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: HERSHEY'S miniatures contains 23 ingredients. 2 caution. Use with Caution ⚠️ Adults generally have higher tolerance.

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Ingredients Analysis (23 found)

NATURAL FLAVOR

⚠️4/10

Usually safe for most adults in foods supplements and drinks. Main risk is unknown specific components causing allergies or sensitivities.

No Known Risk - Natural flavor is a broad term for flavoring substances derived from natural sources. While the exact composition can vary, current research and regulatory reviews have not identified immediate health risks for babies when used in typical amounts in consumable products. There is no strong evidence linking natural flavors to specific health risks in infants, so an abundance of caution suggests it is generally considered safe.

Confidence: HIGH

ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR

⚠️4/10

Artificial Flavors is a vague category of synthetic flavoring agents with varying safety profiles. It is likely included to enhance taste in consumable products.

Long-Term Risk - Artificial flavors are a broad category of synthetic chemicals, some of which have been linked in animal studies and limited human data to potential long-term health effects, especially with repeated exposure in early life. The lack of transparency about specific chemicals used increases uncertainty about their safety for babies.

Organ Risk - Certain artificial flavoring agents have been associated with organ toxicity in animal studies, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys after repeated ingestion. Babies are more vulnerable due to their developing organs.

Immune system - Some artificial flavors may alter immune responses or increase the risk of allergies, especially in infants with developing immune systems.

ADHD/ADD - There is some evidence linking artificial food additives, including certain artificial flavors, to increased hyperactivity and attention issues in children, though the evidence is not conclusive for all artificial flavors.

Confidence: HIGH

SUGAR

✅3/10

Sugar is common in foods and drinks. Small amounts are generally safe for most adults, but frequent high intake can harm health over time.

Confidence: HIGH

PEANUTS

✅3/10

Peanuts are generally safe for adults but can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Commonly used in food and supplements for nutrition and flavor.

Confidence: HIGH

PALM KERNEL OIL

✅2/10

Palm Kernel Oil is commonly used in food products like sweetened cereals as a fat source. It is generally safe but high in saturated fats which may impact heart health if consumed excessively.

No Known Risk - Palm Kernel Oil is generally recognized as safe for consumption in infants and children, with no strong evidence linking it to specific health risks such as irritation, hormone disruption, cancer, or organ toxicity. It is commonly used in infant formulas and foods, and current research does not indicate immediate or long-term health concerns when used as intended.

Confidence: HIGH

CHOCOLATE

✅1/10

Chocolate is generally safe for adult consumption in food drinks and supplements It may cause issues only in excess or for those with allergies or caffeine sensitivity

No Known Risk - Chocolate, when used in small amounts and age-appropriate forms, does not have immediate health concerns for babies based on current research. However, it is not recommended for infants due to caffeine, sugar, and potential allergens, but these do not meet the threshold for the specific risk labels provided.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA

✅1/10

Cocoa is generally safe for adults in food products like sweetened cereal with no significant health risks at typical consumption levels

No Known Risk - Cocoa is generally recognized as safe for consumption in babies when used in appropriate amounts. There is no strong evidence linking cocoa to any of the listed risks for babies, such as irritation, hormone disruption, or long-term health effects, when consumed in typical dietary amounts. However, caution should be used regarding added sugars or caffeine content in some cocoa products, but pure cocoa itself does not present known risks based on current research.

Confidence: HIGH

LACTOSE

✅1/10

Organic lactose is a milk sugar safe for most adults except those with lactose intolerance often used as a filler or sweetener

Confidence: HIGH

MILK

✅1/10

Organic milk is generally safe for adults without allergies or lactose intolerance. It is commonly used in food and drinks as a nutrient source.

No Known Risk - Milk is generally considered safe for babies over 12 months old when consumed as part of a balanced diet. There are no immediate health concerns for most infants and children, except for those with specific allergies or lactose intolerance, which are not universal risks. No major risk labels apply based on current research for the general population.

Confidence: HIGH

PALM OIL

✅1/10

Vegetable oil from palm is commonly used in food and supplements. It is generally safe for adults with no significant health risks when consumed in normal amounts.

No Known Risk - Palm oil is widely used in infant formulas and baby foods and is generally recognized as safe for consumption by babies. There is no strong evidence linking palm oil to any of the listed health risks when used as a food ingredient for infants. Regulatory agencies have not flagged palm oil as a specific risk for babies.

Confidence: HIGH

SALT

✅1/10

Salt is commonly used in food products like sweetened cereal for flavor and preservation. It is very safe for adults in typical dietary amounts.

Confidence: HIGH

SOY LECITHIN

✅1/10

Soy Lecithin is a common food additive used as an emulsifier in sweetened cereals. It is generally recognized as safe for adult consumption with minimal concerns.

No Known Risk - Soy lecithin is widely used in foods and infant formulas, and current research does not show immediate health concerns or significant risks for babies when consumed in typical amounts. Allergic reactions are rare, and there is no strong evidence linking it to hormone disruption, cancer, or other long-term health effects in infants.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI

✅1/10

Cocoa processed with alkali is commonly used in food and drinks to reduce acidity and improve flavor. It is generally safe for adult consumption.

No Known Risk - Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder is generally recognized as safe for consumption, including by babies, when used in moderation. There is no strong evidence linking it to any of the listed risks for babies, provided it is free from contaminants such as heavy metals. However, as with all foods, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, but these are not specific to this ingredient or its processing method.

Confidence: HIGH

MALT EXTRACT

✅1/10

Malt extract is a common food ingredient derived from barley malt and is generally safe for adult consumption in foods and supplements.

No Known Risk - Malt extract is commonly used in baby foods and formulas and is generally recognized as safe for consumption. There is no strong scientific evidence linking malt extract to any of the listed health risks in babies when used as intended.

Confidence: HIGH

MILK FAT

✅1/10

Milkfat is a common dairy fat used in foods like butter and cheese safe for most adults unless allergic or lactose intolerant

No Known Risk - Milk fat is a natural component of dairy and is commonly included in infant formulas and baby foods. There is no credible scientific evidence linking milk fat to any of the listed risks for healthy infants, unless the baby has a diagnosed milk allergy or intolerance. For the general population, milk fat is considered safe for consumption by babies.

Confidence: HIGH

PGPR

✅1/10

PGPR is a common food additive used as an emulsifier in chocolates and other products. It is generally recognized as safe for adult consumption.

No Known Risk - Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR) is widely used as an emulsifier in food products, including those for children. Current research and regulatory reviews (such as by the EFSA and FDA) have not identified significant health risks at approved usage levels, and there is no strong evidence linking PGPR to any of the listed negative health effects in babies or children.

Confidence: HIGH

REDUCED PROTEIN WHEY

✅1/10

Reduced protein whey is a dairy-derived ingredient with lower protein content than regular whey. It is generally safe for adults in food and supplements.

No Known Risk - Reduced protein whey is commonly used in infant formulas and foods, and current research does not show any immediate health concerns or specific risks associated with its use in babies. It is generally considered safe for infant consumption, especially for those with certain digestive needs.

Confidence: HIGH

SHEA OIL

✅1/10

Shea oil is generally safe for adult consumption and used in food and supplements for its fatty acids and vitamins

No Known Risk - Shea oil is widely used in both topical and edible products and is generally recognized as safe for consumption, including for babies. There is no credible evidence linking shea oil to any of the listed health risks when used as a consumable. Allergic reactions are extremely rare, and it is not associated with hormone disruption, cancer, organ toxicity, or other long-term health effects. Therefore, no risk labels apply based on current research.

Confidence: HIGH

SUNFLOWER OIL

✅1/10

Sunflower Oil is commonly used in food products like sweetened cereals as a cooking or flavoring oil. It is very safe for adult consumption with no significant concerns.

No Known Risk - Sunflower oil is widely used in baby foods and infant formulas and is generally recognized as safe for consumption by babies. There is no strong scientific evidence linking sunflower oil to any of the listed risks when used as a consumable ingredient for infants. Allergic reactions are extremely rare, and it is not associated with hormone disruption, cancer, or other long-term health effects in babies.

Confidence: HIGH

SKIM MILK

✅1/10

Skim milk is a common food ingredient safe for most adults except those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. It is likely used for nutritional value and texture.

Confidence: HIGH

COCOA BUTTER

✅0/10

Organic fair-trade cocoa butter is a natural fat from cocoa beans used in food and supplements. It is very safe for adult consumption with no significant concerns.

No Known Risk - Cocoa butter is widely used in foods and topical products and is generally recognized as safe for consumption and skin contact, including for babies. There is no strong evidence linking cocoa butter to any of the listed risks when used as a consumable ingredient.

Confidence: HIGH

RICE FLOUR

✅0/10

Rice flour is a common safe ingredient in food products like cereals and supplements for adults with no significant safety concerns.

No Known Risk - Rice flour is widely used in baby foods and cereals and is generally recognized as safe for infant consumption. There is no strong evidence linking rice flour itself to any of the listed health risks when used as intended. However, parents should be aware of potential arsenic contamination in rice products, but this is not a direct risk of rice flour as an ingredient itself.

Confidence: HIGH

SAFFLOWER OIL

✅0/10

Safflower oil is widely used in food and supplements and is considered very safe for adult consumption

No Known Risk - Safflower oil is generally recognized as safe for consumption, including for babies, and there is no credible evidence linking it to any of the listed risks when used as a food ingredient. It is commonly used in infant formulas and baby foods without reports of adverse effects.

Confidence: HIGH

Common Questions About HERSHEY'S miniatures

Adult-safe? HERSHEY'S miniatures

Use caution with HERSHEY'S miniatures for adults. Some ingredients may pose concerns.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

We analyzed 23 ingredients in HERSHEY'S miniatures. 2 caution. Check the detailed analysis above for specific concerns.

When can adults eating candy?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredients. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

Product Recognition: Product names are identified programatically and may be incorrect. Always verify product identity yourself.

Safety Analysis: Evaluations are for research only - consult pediatricians for medical decisions. Do not rely solely on this analysis.

No Guarantees: Results may be incomplete or inaccurate. Do not rely solely on this analysis.